Island Politics

New Island Government to be formed.

TIme for a new one considering the headline on the previous is outdated, I decided to keep it generic this time.

Laveist - “I firmly believe that our island should have a majority-backed government in the Island Council in order for St. Maarten’s future constitutional relationship in the Kingdom to be debated with the Kingdom partners from a position of strength,”

Right Louie, your support and participation gives that strength and integrity to the team. Latest news and back links added below.

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Bad Governance | Island Politics | Flipper's blog | 31 comments | read more

Submitted by Flipper on Tue, 2008-11-18 09:34.

National Alliance prepared to form new government.

So, now, according to the latest report on SXM Island Times and a press conference, the National Alliance is prepared to form a new government with the support of Louie Laveist and they are in discussions with Theo about being a 7th vote. I think we can guess what Theo is going to do can't we?

I'm starting to run out of popcorn and feeling a bit ill. I'm listening to some voice of the NA, not sure who, defending their decision to work with Louie. Listen in to the press conference.

National Alliance announces decision to form next Island Government - 15th November 2008

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Island Politics | Hady Nufyet's blog | 9 comments | read more

Submitted by Hady Nufyet on Sat, 2008-11-15 22:05.

SXM Island Govt Falls

The blog post about Laveist going independent his filled up a bit and I have the feeling this is going to be a hot story this coming week. Monday's always a good day to start off fresh :)

Laveist seems to think he is in a powerful position. I really can't imagine the NA working with him, it would be really really dumb. I suspect a deal will be made between the two parties, or with another DP member leaving as suggested in a news report on SXM Island Time.

Oh, and big Welcome to Parliament too, glad you could join us. :)

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Submitted by Flipper on Mon, 2008-11-10 02:23.

Laviest goes Independent

Poor Louie couldn't wait any longer for new status and has decided to go independent, just in time for SXM Day. The name of his party has not yet been revealed, suggestions are welcome below.

Bibi over at SMN News has a report that mentions the investigations of fraud now include the new government building and the fishmarket.

The soap opera continues...... grab your popcorn....

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Submitted by Flipper on Sat, 2008-11-08 02:08.

Will Laveist resign?

Unfortunately I haven't been able to scan the news item in the Saturday Herald as of yet, I'll try to get it up in the next day or two. It reported that Laveist wasn't too happy about his portfolios being reassigned and gave no indications that he will be resigning. I guess that may mean the IC meeting scheduled for Monday could be interesting.

The previous post about Laveist's arrest can be found here, along with older news reports so far.

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Submitted by Flipper on Sun, 2008-11-02 20:50.

Louie Laveist Arrested

Commissioner Louie Laveist was arrested this morning around 9am, Wednesday 22nd October 2008, it is unclear from news reports if he was arrested at home, or as he arrived for work. Lou Lou is apparently being investigated in a forgery investigation concerning a Venezuelan woman, could it possibly be this one from back in 2005? If so, then I imagine it's possible Lt. Governor Richards is being investigated too? Certainly it would make things interesting wouldn't it?

The smoke from Lou Lou been going on a long time and you know what they say about where there is smoke there is a fire. Indian Merchants tell me today that they estimate donations to Louie's New Hope Foundation to be close $250,000 over the past few years. Can anyone tell me what exactly this foundation has been doing, apparently they help drug addicts but I never hear of their work. That's where the conflict with Boasman comes in, either Boasman wanted a piece of the action or he decided to start playing it straight like any sensible person would in these times. And lets not forget about the bus licenses, meant for the local small businessman, but now something that brings in a monthly rent for whoever owns it. Sheds some light on the crappy public transport system we have doesn't it.

I've collected together the most recent news and most of the blog posts that have been written about Lou Lou over the past few years below, for your refreshment :) - Dr. Voodoo

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Submitted by Dr. Voodoo on Wed, 2008-10-22 16:31.

Richards and Joan - Paying the bills

Lt. Governor Richards, Mr. Good Governance, apparently wants some bills paid by the island which our island secretary disagrees with. At least that's what we read in the papers today. Of course, with proper management, transparency and solid protocols and policies we probably wouldn't have this sort of thing popping up again and again.

I do find the news item on SXM Island TImes rather interesting though, is it a press release or a news report?

No rift pertaining to advice says Governor Richards - 13th October 2008

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Submitted by Hady Nufyet on Mon, 2008-10-13 20:53.

Laveist - I don't want to play anymore.... :(

What a sad comedy farce the DP are. For you DP advocates out there, please don't take me wrong, I also think the opposition are a farce too, but Lou Lou coming now with his pathetic whinging about not getting his way with Boasman is yet another clear sign of what kind of government we have. A back scratchers club of self serving self interested individuals, who barter favors and their IC vote in exchange for personal whims and projects. If the RST ever gets it's act together and pulls together a solid case against any of them I'm sure we will hear some squealing and 'pots bein buss'.

What exactly is the problem Lou Lou The Permit Man has with Boasman, are the press even going to ask and pursue the answers? Could it be something to do with permits? I suspect it does, after all, the whole system is coming under increasing scrutiny from Kingdom and Federal agencies as we move towards Separate Status and let's just say LL has been suspected of being liberal and accommodating with them. I wonder how those Investigations into Laveist's Foundations are coming along?

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Submitted by Hady Nufyet on Wed, 2008-10-08 13:29.

Who owns what?

Who owns the concrete businesses and other related stuff.

We don't really want the GEBE blog by Caribdude to get hijacked by a discussion about concrete, so here's a new post to use instead. :)

Please feel free to share information you may have about the business interests of our politicians, all parties, and other top public officials. Please be sure to provide as much information as you can to support what you say too. I expect readers and users to use their own judgment in this respect and to treat anything that is not supported by evidence as unconfirmed. Please comment and support or correct information posted that may be wrong.

If only we had a Code of Conduct eh?

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Submitted by Flipper on Fri, 2008-09-12 13:46.

Comedy Central Presents

Maria reappointed - News and views below...

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Island Politics | Maria Buncamper | Flipper's blog | 15 comments | read more

Submitted by Flipper on Tue, 2008-09-09 12:01.

Laveist, Boasman and Permits

I figured it was best to just change this Open Thread into one about Laveist and Boasman. We will add links and news on the matter below.

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Submitted by Flipper on Tue, 2008-09-09 07:58.

Domestic Abuse

I've been too busy recently to write much, but Tongas's recent comment defending Safe Haven and Govt and criticizing those who criticize, has left me with no choice, I need to write now or I will burst.

This blog post is for you Tongas, I look forwards to your response and invite others to join in as they will.

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Island Politics | Flipper's blog | 10 comments | read more

Submitted by Flipper on Tue, 2008-09-02 18:05.

Three Wise Men??

Can someone tell me who these supposed Three Wise Men are? Seems debatable to me.

Will Leroy take up a place on the Exco and would that set the stage for a possible repeat conflict drama with his sister as acting Lt Governor?

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Submitted by Local Hero on Wed, 2008-07-30 02:06.

Jet Set Roy

Poor Roy again displays his ignorance when it comes to the definition of proper governance, accountability and public service. It matters not a bit if Roy has been traveling on private jet on govt business or not, certainly if on govt business then it's a disgrace, but hardly surprising from 'The Man' if true. More importantly though, if he has been taking private jet trips then there needs to be some accountability and public information about who paid for such trips, or who the jets belong to.

Roy is quite wrong, as an elected public servant his private life is not private, having come into office with very little, Roy is now suspected of involvement in numerous business interests and property ownerships. Healthy democracy requires safeguards against big money being able to influence and buy political favor, for example, giving a company permits and exemptions in exchange for work on your house. Roy needs to account for his 'private life', it's part of being a public servant.

Frans: Roy flying private jet while island in dire straits - 29th July 2008

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Submitted by Flipper on Tue, 2008-07-29 17:03.

Spatial Planning - Govt offices full.

The only way this study will be of any use to the island is if it is published, fully and unedited and undoctored, online, for the public to see, the students promise to so. Our govt has resisted zoning, environmental and spatial planning for decades and there are plenty of studies and reports, on development, education, crime and many other issues, that have been ignored or kept out of the public domain, we don't need another.

I look forwards to reading it and hearing more about their 'jollifications'.

Daily Herald Editorial - What’s the hold-up? - 25th July 2008

Dutch students on spatial development study - 24th July 2008

Dutch team to help with Spacial planning - 24th July 2008

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Submitted by Local Hero on Mon, 2008-07-28 03:57.

The New Govt Building

Some of you may remember that is was Louie Laveist who was the main spokesperson and Exco member in charge of the New Government Building in Philipsburg. Informed sources tell me that 'Pinnochio" Roy has now taken over.

Why? Well, I don't know all the details, but I'll tell you what I have heard below....

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Submitted by Hady Nufyet on Fri, 2008-07-11 08:36.

Good governance and transparency = New Status

PPA Leader talks about conflict of interest
Written by Gracita R. Arrindell
Wednesday, 11 June 2008 19:16

We read with great interest the news reports and the editorials concerning the public spectacle at the Island Council meeting Monday considering the clearly impermissible and improper conduct by Commissioner Maria Buncamper-Molanus and her spouse.

However, the most disappointing part of the meeting was the continuing role of the Lt. Governor who uses every opportunity to prevent and delay any effort to call the DP to order.

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Submitted by Wasime Liburd on Thu, 2008-06-26 04:48.

Draft Organic Laws

Last week I noticed this story about the Organic Laws for the new Country St. Maarten. These laws are the foundation laws of how the government and country St. Maarten will operate in the future and it seems to me that very few are really paying attention and that we the public are not being adequately informed or involved. These laws will decide if we get change, I mean real change, in how our island is governed.

According to the article, a variety of draft laws covering areas such as Rules of Order for Parliament and an Ombudsman have already been dealt with. (Does this mean approved by the Exco?) Searching the Country SXM website I can find no documents on these laws and the documents that are listed appear not to be available. One I would love to read has the title 'A New Electoral System: A More Powerful and Dynamic Government?

I would like to make an appeal here to all Civil Servants, Lawyers and Politicians to send us these 'dealt' with laws via email on PDF so we can post and discuss them. (sxmpemail at gmail). SXM does not have a civil rights organization and I don't think we should trust in the opposition to make sure that the needed changes and reforms in governance are included. Mainly because they are really not capable and secondly because they expect or hope to be in office next time around.

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Submitted by Hady Nufyet on Thu, 2008-06-19 16:31.

Quit Imagining; Maria is no Hillary !!!!

“True leadership must be for the benefit of the followers, not the enrichment of the leaders” -Robert Townsend, taken from Maria campaign material

In my short life I have seen some strange political suicides. But nothing can be compared with the bombshell that Commissioner Maria Buncamper Molanus finally dropped in her own lap. In addressing the matter of her glaring conflict of interest, she claimed she was going to deal with fraud and embezzlement from top to bottom at TELEM.

Has Commissioner Buncamper now sunk to blackmail? Bottom line: too many listeners agree that her revelations convinced the public that she had prior knowledge of wrong doing at TELEM, but she is now using it as a lifeline.

Question: If indeed such information exists, then should they be in the possession of the Commissioner? Shouldn’t they be in the hands of the public prosecutor or, better yet, Ministry of Justice or the police?
Question: Why has the leader of government chosen to say nothing about the Commissioner’s accusations? Why has she not denied those allegations?

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Submitted by sybille on Tue, 2008-06-17 16:55.

Laveist's Foundations under investigation

Remember Grand Getaway Vacations and their $50,000 donation to Laveist's New Hope Foundation? It would seem those rumors we heard about a top politician questioned by police had more truth to them than we we were told.

Grand Getaway was apparently sold last year and was in the news this past March with rumors of a reopening. I think it might be a bit more difficult to bring in their own workers this time with all the scrutiny.

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Submitted by Local Hero on Mon, 2008-06-16 00:33.

Mr Good Governance? Sky is the Limit and Telem Donation

Time and time again, sketchy deals and outright disrespect from the EXCO towards the opposition and the public when it comes it what should be public information is condoned by Mr. Richards. I've tried to convince myself that he is impartial and has integrity, but this latest issue has wiped any hopes I had left away.

Repeatedly writers on here have questioned whether he is capable of walking the walk, and it seems clear, at least to me, exactly on which side of the fence he stands, because he certainly isn;t sitting on the fence in the middle. I mean, really, the best this man could come up with to stop people using phone cameras to sell their votes was to have them switch them off before going in the voting booth.

Anyway, all the news clippings from the past week covering the Sky is the Limit donation issue are below. Feel free to share your thoughts and vote in my poll.

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Submitted by Local Hero on Tue, 2008-06-10 20:03.

St. Maarten's Corporate Governance

One of hte main holdups with constitutional change negotiations is the issue of corporate governance. I think we all know our present government would like to continue being able to use our public owned companies as private bank accounts for those projects they can political and media mileage out of, or for jobs for party favorites, friends and family.

Maria's husband is on the board of Telem, a highly questionable appointment in itself, they are both on the board of their Sky is the Limit foundation. At least the governor of the NA is asking questions, which is more than our own lame ass governor 'Mr Good Governance' Richards is doing.

Telem Sky is the Limit donation - 31st May 2008

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Constitutional Change | Island Politics | Local Hero's blog | 8 comments | read more

Submitted by Local Hero on Mon, 2008-06-02 07:37.

Inaction in Action - EWE

Late last week the Today had a wonderful little O & C article about EWE, bringing it back into the public eye. I've been meaning to write a post about it for a while, we are still waiting to hear just what exactly the Govt is doing to follow through on it's two resolutions to preserve the estate. I'd be willing to $100 down on 'not a damn ting'.

The article went into some detail about Henri "I want to be a Millionaire" Brookson's contract with the BV developers and ownership of the estate, something I thought Brookson had already cleared up back on January the 28th, maybe he was bullshitting.

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Submitted by Local Hero on Tue, 2008-05-27 00:27.

Good Governance SXM Style

Again, in no way is it my intention to discredit or cast Millicent De Weever in a bad light, but I do feel a little bit vindicated after raising questions about her appointment as Acting Lt. Governor back in February. This matter should not reflect badly upon her, it's a good job to be offered. But those who made the appointment must clearly have a poor understanding of the rules and principles of governing and good governance.

Editorial: Proper governance - 25th April 2008

De Weever appointment was illegal, say experts - 25th April 2008

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Island Politics | Local Hero's blog | 5 comments | read more

Submitted by Local Hero on Mon, 2008-04-28 07:27.

'Political Football' 101

When it comes to smoking up the an issue and rewriting history, Roy Marlin is the boss. In an article this past week reporting the 'official' opening of Air-Fin's water plant in Cupecoy, he had me in tears with tales of his sleepless nights during his fight to award them the contract and save St. Maarten from having dry taps. According to Roy, he is not to blame for months of shortages and the huge financial losses incurred by GEBE from purchasing water from the French Side, it was the opposition's fault for demanding transparency and asking questions.

Poor Roy, suddenly overwhelmed by an urgent situation that no one could have seen coming, not even the Commissioner signing off on all the development that contributed greatly to that urgency and whom had also been in charge of GEBE for many years preceding the shortage. And then, having to suffer the public and their elected representatives asking questions and wanting details about the urgent deals he was having to make on our behalf. Honestly, there were tears!

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Energy and Water | Island Politics | Hady Nufyet's blog | add new comment | read more

Submitted by Hady Nufyet on Sun, 2008-04-13 11:28.

Tax Talk

In a previous edition of the “Today” newspaper of March 29, 2008, a headline read “Verdonk: The Netherlands also responsible for bankruptcy Antilles”. But it is clear from the date of the Dutch document that follows, that the contents were forwarded to the local politicians and even some politicians on federal level. In 1990, the Netherlands amended their tax legislation to bring it more in line with the realities of the time. The present bankruptcy ordinance was written in 1931. The collection laws were written in the 1940’s. In spite of the booming economy, most businesses have their assets registered in offshore companies in other territories. The present collection legislature is not geared toward reality. The local government has not seen it fit for the last 25 years to invest in personnel, training and systems. The Island Council has not seen it fit to rewrite the Collection ordinance of 1970 in spite of the difficulties faced by the Receiver’s Office. The inability to ammend or lack of interest to rewrite the Collection ordinance of 1970, has cost the society immensely. There is no money to pay for infrastructural improvements, the environment is being destroyed, poverty and crime is on the rise. See below:

Submitted by sybille on Mon, 2008-04-07 22:15.

Sarah's Photo Op success

Sarah's trip last week to Holland was hailed with a front page headline by the Today as a success, unfortunately neither the article or the editorial that went with it could tell us what the success was.

I can see two things that could be reported as a success, the first being that Sarah was able to meet with lots of important people, the second being the photo op mileage gained from the trip.

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Submitted by Local Hero on Sun, 2008-03-23 13:04.

NOVA - Big Bang or Pfffft.

And so NOVA came, with less of a bang than some of us expected considering their name, but then, were we wrong to expect too much from them? SXM PE made a request to them to add subtitles to the shows when Dutch is spoken, their response was "It's expensive and our show is for a Dutch audience". Say's it all really doesn't it?

Although they are right, it is expensive and their audience is largely Dutch, SXM Maarten is part of the Dutch Kingdom in the midst of a very important decision making time, and, as they point out themselves in their show, English is the main language here. I've always thought that talking about someone in a language they don't understand in front of them is rude. Maybe it's just me, expecting too much.

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Submitted by Local Hero on Sun, 2008-03-23 11:22.

Marine Ordinance, Zoning and Water Testing

The SXM Nature Foundation was started 11 years ago and one of their primary missions was to establish a protected marine park. Statia Marine Park was also started in 1997 and late last year their Marine Park celebrated it's 10 year anniversary, while SXM awaits the Exco. And waits, and waits...

The marine park ordinance and many other environmental legislation has always been put to the back burner of government. There is also no zoning, back in 1976 the Fed Govt. told every island to start with zoning plans, SXM never started and we are where we are today. The only land that has zoning is Fort Amsterdam, a last minute effort to halt the owners from further developing their land which they bought from the Claude Wathey government. Which shows it can be done, regardless if the land is privately owned. (Like EWE.)

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Submitted by Local Hero on Sat, 2008-03-01 11:34.

New Acting Lt. Governor - Millicent de Weever

I don't think most people realize the importance of the Acting Lt Governor position, which is basically the Lt. Governors spot when Richards decides to go off island. I find it surprising then that the position has been filled so quickly, with minimal information being passed via the media to the public about the selection process.

Millicent is the sister (sister in law?) of IC and DP party member Leroy de Weever and the Exco is in power because of his one seat. Does this not strike anyone as being a little odd? Who nominated Millicent to the job? Did Leroy have a say or did he recuse himself? Just how does the process work? Anyone? - LH

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Island Politics | Local Hero's blog | 25 comments | read more

Submitted by Local Hero on Fri, 2008-02-29 14:20.

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